As the schools in the community upheld the legacy of Terry Fox, honouring him with various runs and walks throughout the week, the Botha School went a step further.
When Principal Mike Flieger offered to shave his head if the students could raise over $2,000 there was a sudden surge in donations and the Botha School raised a total of $2,413.
“Up until now, the record for Botha has been right around $1,500 per year,” said Flieger. “That was fairly constant. This year, I offered to shave my head if the kids could break the $2k.”
According to Flieger, the students raised an impressive amount.
“I think this speaks to the hard work of the kids and the generosity of our small community,” said Flieger. “Also, I feel like the Terry Fox Run is one of the most important ones that we can celebrate, given the fact that we talk to kids about not giving up, and giving their best effort.”
Terry Fox and the legacy that is his run, explained Flieger, is a perfect opportunity to teach kids about perseverance, but also to celebrate it.
“Our leading fundraiser with $300 was Grade 1 student, Ethan McPhee and in second place with $280 was a kindergarten student, which I couldn’t be happier about because it is showing that the cause and its importance is really being embraced by youth, 36 years after Terry Fox passed away,” added Flieger.
Principal Flieger shaved his head in the morning assembly on Friday, Sept. 30
“The top fundraisers – Ethan McPhee, Jennifer Hoekstra, Liam Deschaine and Declan Rock – all made a pass with the electric razor,” Flieger said.